Life Enrichment Center

The second floor of Degage Ministries is open mornings and afternoons to provide services and programs that address practical, physical and spiritual needs.

Referral Desk

Trained and committed volunteers work with individuals daily to help them to achieve their goals. Areas of assistance include:

• Prescription co-pays
• Permanent or temporary housing
• Transportation needs
• Job searches and résumé construction
• Clothing or furniture needs
• Substance abuse treatment referrals
• Scheduling appointments
• Completing paperwork and applications

Hygiene Services

The Life Enrichment Center offers the following hygiene services for individuals in our community:

• Laundromat: $1 to wash and $1 to dry (soap provided)
• Shower facilities (amenities provided)
• Hair salon: $2 hair cuts for men & women
• Weekly distribution of personal care products
• New socks and underwear available

Basic Needs

Dégagé provides the following resources to assist individuals with basic and daily needs:

• Mailing address
• Voicemail system
• Long-distance phone calls
• Lockers and storage for personal belongings and important documents
• Message Center
• Bicycle Program

Support Groups

Through wonderful partnerships, Dégagé is able to offer support groups and therapy in a stable and confidential atmosphere:

• AA Meeting
• Prayer Group (Millennium of Agape)
• Men's Support Group (Dr. Dave Thornsen from The Christian Counseling Center)
• General Support Group (Kathleen Maddrey, M.S.W.)

State Identification Program

Obtaining legal identification is a necessary milestone in an individual's pursuit to become self-supporting. An individual is unable to legally apply for a job or housing, cash a check, receive a Social Security card or open a bank account without proper identification. To obtain a state ID, a person must present three forms of documentation such as a marriage license, birth record or school record. Volunteers and staff at Dégagé work with individuals to obtain the documentation needed. Once the necessary documents have been received, a volunteer takes individuals to the Secretary of State's office once a week.

In May 2004, Dégagé's State ID Program received the Liberty Bell Award from the Grand Rapids Bar Association. This award was granted to Dégagé in recognition of the program's goal of providing equal access to the judicial system.

Legal Services

Twice a week experienced lawyers are available to answer questions regarding legal matters. This program was recently given an award for Best Program in Response to a Need by the Heartside Neighborhood Business Association.

Pet Therapy

Few residents in our neighborhood are able to have their own pet. Louie, a trained pet therapy dog, joins neighbors once a week to provide the unconditional love and affection only a pet can offer.